How to dog-proof your Christmas tree

The twinkling lights, shiny ornaments and festive pine scent of a Christmas tree can be irresistible to curious dogs. While you want your home to sparkle with holiday cheer, you also need to protect your furry family members from potential hazards — and save your decorations from an enthusiastic tail or investigating nose. Here are our tips for keeping your pup and your tree safe throughout the holiday season. 

Secure your tree to prevent tipping

A wobbly tree poses the biggest immediate danger to your dog. Anchor your Christmas tree to the wall or ceiling using fishing line or wire attached to eye hooks — this prevents the entire tree from toppling if your pup bumps into it during an excited moment. Place your tree in a corner for extra stability and invest in a wide, heavy base that won't tip easily. For smaller dogs or puppies learning to navigate your home, consider putting the tree on a sturdy table to keep it completely out of reach.

Create barriers to protect your Christmas tree from dogs

Sometimes the best defense is a good fence. Set up decorative pet gates or exercise pens around your tree to create a physical boundary that keeps your dog at a safe distance. Small picket fences designed for holiday displays work well and add to your festive decor while serving a practical purpose. "Physical barriers are often more effective than deterrent sprays, which may work for some dogs but not others," Dr. Aliya McCullough, Fetch's Chief Veterinary Officer, explains. "Consistent training combined with barriers gives you the best chance of success."

Choose and place ornaments strategically

Rethink your decorating strategy when you have a dog in the house. Hang all ornaments — especially glass or breakable ones — on higher branches, well above tail-wagging height. Skip edible decorations like popcorn strings, candy canes and chocolate ornaments that might tempt your pup into tree climbing adventures. Opt for shatterproof ornaments whenever possible and secure each decoration well so they won't fall if the tree gets jostled. Remember that what looks like a beautiful ornament to you might look like a fascinating new toy to your dog.

Address electrical hazards to keep puppies away from Christmas trees

Those twinkling lights come with cords that can tempt dogs to chew, potentially causing electrical burns or shock. Run cords through protective covers or PVC pipes and tape them down securely along baseboards where your dog can't reach them. Consider switching to battery-operated LED lights, which eliminate the cord problem entirely and stay cooler to the touch. Always unplug your tree lights when you leave the house or go to bed — supervision is your first line of defense against curious pups.

Watch out for toxic tree-related dangers

Several common Christmas tree elements can harm your dog if ingested. Pine needles, whether from real or artificial trees, can cause intestinal blockages. Tree water often contains bacteria, fertilizers or preservatives that are toxic to dogs — keep the water bowl covered with a tree skirt and never add aspirin or other additives. Salt dough ornaments pose an especially serious threat, as they can cause dangerous salt poisoning in dogs. Angel hair, that sparkly spun glass decoration, can irritate skin and damage intestines if swallowed. When in doubt, leave it out.

Skip the tinsel and other dangerous decorations

Some traditional decorations simply aren't worth the risk when you share your home with a dog. Tinsel tops the danger list — those shimmering strands can cause life-threatening intestinal blockages if your dog swallows them. Avoid snow spray and flocking, which contain chemicals toxic to pets. Small ornaments that could become choking hazards are also a risk, so be sure to hang those out of reach. 

Train your dog to respect the tree

Start your dog's Christmas tree introduction slowly. Set up the tree without decorations for a few days, allowing your pup to investigate and lose interest in this new addition to your living room. Use positive reinforcement to teach and strengthen the "leave it" command around the tree. Reward your dog for calm behavior near the tree and redirect their attention to appropriate toys when they show too much interest. 

Be prepared for emergencies

Despite your best efforts, accidents can happen during the busy holiday season. Check which vet urgent care or ER is open during the holidays and keep the Pet Poison Helpline number easily accessible. Watch for warning signs like vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, lethargy or loss of appetite — these could indicate your dog has ingested something harmful from the tree. Quick action makes all the difference if your pup manages to eat something dangerous, so don't wait to seek help if you suspect a problem.

Creating a dog-proof Christmas tree doesn't mean sacrificing holiday magic. With thoughtful preparation, strategic decorating choices and consistent supervision, you can enjoy a beautiful tree while keeping your furry friend safe. The key is understanding your individual dog's behavior and energy level, then adapting your holiday decorating accordingly. This year, give yourself the gift of peace of mind by taking these precautions early — your dog (and your decorations) will thank you.